Many English majors have their sights on a future as a teacher or writer. But the degree opens doors to many other types of professions, too. In this program, you will gain a broad liberal arts education and build critical thinking and writing skills that are highly valued in careers in education, publishing, communications, politics and law – to name a few.
As an English major, you will undergo intensive writing training and develop your professional communication skills. You will examine a variety of literary genres and form a solid understanding of how English language and literature shape and reflect cultures around the world. Depending on your career goals, you can focus your studies on literature, creative writing, professional writing, teaching, or linguistics and literacy.
The English Department at Grand View offers small classes, dedicated faculty, a rigorous curriculum, opportunities for internships, and activities including the English honors society, poetry slams, guest lectures, and a literary magazine. This degree offers you experiences in the following areas:
Literature
The study of literature provides, through rigorous analysis of major literary works, a unique experience in recognizing, evaluating, and articulating human values, motives, and qualities.
Writing
In addition to mastering the skills of working writers, you will think critically and creatively about the complexity and diversity of writing; about the place of writers in the global literary conversation; about the current and future role of digital media in creative writing; and about the potential of writing as a tool for social justice. You will acquire skills which will serve you for life in writing after graduation.
What Can I Do With This Major?
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Pre-professional Preparation
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"Dr. Brooke makes every single student feel that they are appreciated and important. He teaches with humor and knowledge, but adapts to a student's individual need. He builds your confidence as a student. His positivity is contagious. As a social work major and healthcare provider, I am overjoyed we have someone with your traits teaching students by example. Thank you for being YOU!!!" - Denise McCullough
“Dr. Getty encouraged any ideas I gave out. Supporting and empathizing with students' situations are the first things she does with students.” - Duy Ly
You may also be interested in one or more of the following:
Cay Leytham-Powell (2013) • Published her article on the Angkor and Mayan civilizations in a peer-reviewed journal. She wrote it for a Grand View class and then polished it up for publication in Advanced Composition.
Three awards are given annually to two English majors (writing or literature tracks) and one Secondary English Education major. Awards are usually $1,000 per student and students are chosen based on three criteria: GPA, dedication to their studies, and connection to the English major and department.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, “what sets two equally qualified job candidates apart can be as simple as who has the better communication skills.” The advanced reading and writing skills taught at Grand View, along with the knowledge of how to put things into compelling narratives, will have a deep and long-lasting impact on your career.
"Are you going to be a teacher?" You'll likely hear this a lot. Most people associate an English major with teaching only, but English is not just a “teaching discipline." Instead it is represented across the landscape of professional fields and careers. In a world of information overload, the communication skills you gain from an English degree are critical and will serve you well.
Professor of English
Administrative Assistant
Lecturer of English
Associate Professor of English
Originally a historic residence hall, Jensen was transformed into part of Grand View’s academic facilities in 2004 and is now home to offices and classrooms for religion, history, foreign languages and English.
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